Didi cold to cash transfer plan

The UPA's ambitious direct benefits transfer scheme has failed to impress West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. On Monday, she announced her opposition to the scheme as remote parts of the country have inadequate banking or postal facilities.

In response, rural development minister Jairam Ramesh told HT: “She is entitled to have her own views. But we are also aware of the ground realities. We will prove once again, she is totally wrong.”

Meanwhile PM Manmohan Singh would hold a meeting on Tuesday with the ministers whose departments are involved in the direct cash transfers, to review its preparations.